Chelsea will reportedly look to complete an audacious move for 25-year-old Barcelona defensive mainstay Jules Kounde in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on bolstering their backline in the January transfer window. So, the Barcelona defensive mainstay has emerged as a target for the West London club, although securing his services will be a tall order.
The rise and rise of Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world in the last few years. A native of Paris, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his homeland and passed through the academies at four clubs while graduating from the youth division at Girondins Bordeaux.
However, the 25-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Sevilla, going from strength to strength in his three-year spell at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Barcelona signed Kounde in July 2022, and he has been a mainstay at the back for the Blaugrana, turning out nearly 100 times while chipping in with four goals and 11 assists.
While Kounde is primarily a centre-back and prefers to play in that position, he has been a revelation as a right-back for Barcelona and has reprised that role for France. Meanwhile, the French defender’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Chelsea will look to sign him in January.
London calling?
Enzo Maresca wanted Chelsea to sign Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window before a move failed to materialise. The Blues have retained their interest in the Barcelona defensive mainstay, as they want to sign a right-back in the January transfer window.
With Reece James struggling to overcome his fitness issues, Malo Gusto is the only recognised right-back at Chelsea. So, several candidates have emerged on the West London club’s radar, with Kounde the top target. Barcelona demanded around £51 million to sell the Frenchman in the summer transfer window.
That price tag might have increased in the last few months, although Hansi Flick might continue blocking Jules Kounde’s exit after doing so in the summer transfer window. So, Chelsea might struggle to convince Barcelona to part ways with the 25-year-old French international in January.
